Wonders of India — Set 5

Correct Answer: B. Ashoka the Great

• **Ashoka the Great** = The Sanchi Stupa, one of the oldest stone structures in India, was commissioned by this Emperor. • **3rd century BCE** — Emperor Ashoka built the Great Stupa at Sanchi during this period. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Chandragupta Maurya]: grandfather of Ashoka, founded the Mauryan Empire but not Sanchi Stupa; [Kanishka]: a powerful Kushan emperor, associated with Gandhara art, not Sanchi Stupa; [Harshavardhana]: a later emperor, not associated with the initial construction of Sanchi Stupa.

Correct Answer: B. Karnataka

• **Karnataka** = This state is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Hampi', the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. • **14th century** — Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire during this century. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Tamil Nadu]: known for Dravidian temples like Brihadeeswarar Temple, not Hampi; [Andhra Pradesh]: known for Tirupati Temple, not Hampi; [Kerala]: known for backwaters and spice plantations, not Hampi.

Correct Answer: A. Bharatpur

• **Bharatpur** = The Keoladeo National Park, famous for its bird population, is located in this city in Rajasthan. • **Keoladeo National Park** — This park was formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Jaipur]: known as the 'Pink City', not home to Keoladeo National Park; [Kota]: known for its educational institutions, not Keoladeo National Park; [Alwar]: known for Sariska Tiger Reserve, not Keoladeo National Park.

Correct Answer: B. Kanheri Caves

• **Kanheri Caves** = This UNESCO World Heritage site in India is a collection of 51 rock-cut caves located near Mumbai. • **Sanjay Gandhi National Park** — The Kanheri Caves are specifically located within this national park in Mumbai. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Elephanta Caves]: a different group of caves known for Hindu deities, near Mumbai; [Bhaja Caves]: ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves located in Pune district, not near Mumbai; [Karla Caves]: another group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves in Pune district, not near Mumbai.

Correct Answer: B. Agra

• **Agra** = The 'Fatehpur Sikri' complex, built by Emperor Akbar, is located near this city in Uttar Pradesh. • **Water shortages** — Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned by Akbar as his capital city due to this reason. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Delhi]: Akbar built other structures, but Fatehpur Sikri is not in Delhi; [Lahore]: a historical Mughal city, but Fatehpur Sikri is in India; [Jaipur]: a prominent city in Rajasthan, not the location of Fatehpur Sikri.

Correct Answer: B. Mahabalipuram

• **Mahabalipuram** = This UNESCO site is a group of temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty. • **7th and 8th centuries** — The monuments at Mahabalipuram were primarily constructed during this period. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Pattadakal]: It is a UNESCO site built by the Chalukya dynasty; [Kanchipuram]: While a Pallava city, the specific UNESCO group of monuments is at Mahabalipuram; [Thanjavur]: Features temples built by the Chola dynasty.

Correct Answer: C. Rajasthan

• **Rajasthan** = The Hill Fort of 'Chittorgarh', a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in the state of Rajasthan. • **largest fort** — Chittorgarh Fort is recognized as the **largest fort** in India and was once the capital of Mewar. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Gujarat]: This state has other historical forts but not Chittorgarh Fort; [Madhya Pradesh]: It is home to forts like Gwalior Fort but not Chittorgarh; [Maharashtra]: This state features forts such as Raigad Fort, distinct from Chittorgarh.

Correct Answer: C. Multiple states (MH, GA, KA, TN, KL)

• **Multiple states** = The Western Ghats, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, spans across **multiple states** along the western coast of the Indian peninsula. • **six Indian states** — The Western Ghats run through **six Indian states** (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu) and are known for their exceptional biodiversity. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Only Maharashtra]: The Western Ghats extend to several other states, not just Maharashtra; [Only Kerala]: This state contains a part of the Western Ghats, but the range is much wider; [Only Karnataka]: While Karnataka has a significant portion, the Western Ghats cover multiple states.

Correct Answer: B. 2018

• **2018** = The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in **2018**. • **third UNESCO inscription** — This was the **third UNESCO inscription** for the city of Mumbai, recognizing its unique architectural blend. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [2015]: This was not the year of inscription for these Mumbai ensembles; [2020]: The ensembles were inscribed before this year; [2016]: This year predates the actual inscription of the Mumbai ensembles.

Correct Answer: C. Fatehpur Sikri

• **Fatehpur Sikri** = **Fatehpur Sikri**, known as 'The City of Victory', is a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Emperor Akbar and briefly served as the Mughal capital. • **1571-1585** — Akbar established Fatehpur Sikri as his capital during this period, showcasing a unique fusion of architectural styles. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Amber Fort]: Located in Jaipur, it was built by Raja Man Singh I, not Akbar; [Chittorgarh Fort]: While a significant fort, it was not built by Akbar nor known as 'The City of Victory' in this context; [Mehrangarh Fort]: Situated in Jodhpur, this fort was constructed by Rao Jodha.